Smarty socks it to rivals at York Racecourse (From York Press)

Smarty socks it to rivals at York Racecourse

9:36am Monday 28th May 2012 in Sport By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

TOP class races could be on the cards for Smarty Socks after he picked up yet another win at York Racecourse.

The eight-year-old scored his third victory on Knavesmire when landing the Cloisters Spa Parsonage Escrick Stakes for Nawton trainer David O’Meara.

Smarty Socks was a 6-1 shot for the £15,000 contest, a relative outsider given the presence of the heavily-backed Saamidd (11-8 fav) in the field, but Kieren Fallon steered him to an impressive length-and-a-quarter victory over Boomerang Bob.

“Seven furlongs and fast ground was ideal for him,” said O’Meara of the conditions. “He had a great season last year and he climbed up the handicap because of it so he is entitled to look at some of these races. He does like York and fast ground. Perhaps one or two of these didn’t run their race. He did and we are delighted.”

O’Meara added he might consider looking at a Group 3 target for his well-travelled star on his next start.

“It’s possible. In any of the big handicaps he has to lug a lot of weight around. He likes Ascot as well, ran well there last year, and could have an entry there.”

Saamidd could only finish fifth, some seven lengths adrift.

Fallon had earlier been on the scoresheet when getting Franciscan (7-2 fav) over the line in a thrilling finish to the opening Beaumonts Insurance Brokers Handicap.

He got there virtually in the last stride, with only a head separating him from Eltheeb, trained by O’Meara, and Royal Peculiar, with Frankie Dettori in the saddle, a neck further back in third.

Dettori got in on the act, and treated the crowd to a flying dismount in the parade ring, when driving Cavalryman (9-4) to the Listed Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup.

The six-year-old had two lengths to spare over Calico Cat at the finish of the mile-and-three-quarter feature contest. It was Cavalryman’s first win in three years.

Dancing Freddy (28-1), trained by Richard Guest at Bawtry, prevailed as the £40,000 Sky Bet Mobile Sprint came down to the final furlong.

The five-year-old, ridden by Saleem Golam, was half-a-length too good for Catfish, with Bathwick Bear a nose further back in third.

Pay Freeze made light work of his rivals in the Yorkshire Regiment EBF Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

The 13-8 favourite, trained by former England footballer Mick Channon, quickened up with two furlongs left to travel and looked like a good horse as he smashed runner-up Mollyvator, trained at Leyburn by Elaine Burke, by five lengths.

Powerful Wind (22-1), trained by Ron Harris at Chepstow, led from start to finish in the Federation of Bloodstock Agents Stakes.

He was presented with his trophy by York City Football Club’s promotion heroes Jason Walker and Scott Kerr.

Malton trainer Geoff Oldroyd ended the day on an upbeat note for North Yorkshire trainers when Alfred Hutchinson (9-2 fav) won the closing John Wright Electrical Apprentice Handicap.